Top dog: CISD superintendent named best in the region

Kassia Micek

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, June 27, 2007

The 46-year-old administrator was named Education Service Center Region VI Superintendent of the Year, making him one of at least 17 superintendents in the running for the Texas Association of School Boards' Superintendent of the Year.

"I'm very honored to be recognized in such a manner," Stockton said. "It's really a reflection of all the wonderful people we work with in the district, including students, parents, teachers, staff, the school board and the community, and also a reflection on all the business partnerships within the community."

ESC Region VI includes 59 school districts in the counties of Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Houston, Leon, Madison, Milam, Montgomery, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker and Washington. Out of the two superintendents nominated to the region, the selection committee, made up of three school board members in the region, unanimously selected Stockton, according to Jerry Hall, Region VI deputy director for instructional services.

"We are very pleased Dr. Stockton was selected," Hall said. "We feel he is an excellent representative of all the superintendents in our region. He has the interest of the kids at heart and that's exactly what we think a good superintendent should do. … We think he will represent us on the state level."

CISD Board President Gerald Irons publicly announced Stockton's new title during last week's CISD board meeting.

"I think this is a terrific honor for Dr. Stockton," Irons said. "The board nominated him. We knew he's the best one to receive this honor. This reflects the great work he provides in this district."

Regional winners will be interviewed in August by the TASB selection committee, which will narrow down the list to five finalists, according to Barbara Williams, TASB public information officer. The Texas Superintendent of the Year will be announced during TASB's annual convention in September.

Stockton has been with CISD for 21 years, the last four years serving as superintendent. His job, however, is far from over. Tackling the ever-growing student body will always be a major focus, he said.

"Growth is going to be a key because it's coming like it never has before," Stockton said, adding the district expects 2,000 more students to enroll for the 2007-2008 school year.

CISD is estimated to hit 44,402 students by the end of August.

Stockton has been in education for 23 years, beginning as a teacher in Indiana for two years. He spent the next four years teaching in CISD, followed by three years as an assistant principal in the district. He was then a principal for nine years.

Stockton's short stint as an assistant superintendent for less than a year was followed by a few months as interim superintendent before he was named superintendent four years ago.